International oil companies have until May 4, 2004 to bid for oil and gas exploration contracts in Syria. The offers come in the form of production sharing agreements for 14 exploration blocks covering a total area of about 88,980 square kilometers.

The tender was issued by the Syrian Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources and the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC). Candidates are invited to evaluate the anticipated areas and to bid for one or more blocks, either individually or in participation with other companies.

Companies currently operating in Syria and those that have been pre-qualified may not submit. Proposals should include technical and financial obligations in all exploration stages, in addition to commercial terms and conditions for the development of the explored oil and gas fields. — (menareport.com)